During 2013-14, FWBC conducted 406 investigations into suspected breaches of workplace laws. Of these, 327 were new investigations commenced during the financial year. As at 30 June 2014, 283 investigations were finalised and 106 were ongoing. The number of new investigations commenced is lower than last financial year. This is due to a change in priorities away from high volume, low complexity wage and entitlements matters to more complex investigations involving issues such as coercion, freedom of association and right of entry.
Investigations | 2012 to 13 | 2013 to 14 |
---|---|---|
New Investigations commenced during the reporting period | 392 | 327 |
Investigations finalised | 380 | 283 |
Investigations continuing | 78 | 106 |
Table 2.10 sets out a state-by-state breakdown of the number of new investigations.
Types of Contraventions Investigated
During 2013-14, FWBC investigated 977 contraventions of Commonwealth workplace laws. There has been a noticeable shift in the type of contraventions investigated compared to the last financial year. As at 30 June 2014, contraventions of right of entry had more than doubled. Contraventions relating to freedom of association and coercion also increased confirming the upward trend in investigations into the agency’s redefined core business.
Table 2.11 sets of the types of contraventions investigated.
State | 2012 to 13 | 2013 to 14 |
---|---|---|
NSW | 105 | 66 |
VIC | 95 | 67 |
QLD | 71 | 72 |
WA | 57 | 41 |
SA | 32 | 58 |
TAS | 2 | 3 |
ACT | 22 | 10 |
NT | 8 | 10 |
Total | 392 | 327 |
Contravention | 2012 to 13 | % | 2013 to 14 | % |
---|---|---|---|---|
Right of entry | 112 | 10 | 234 | 24 |
Unprotected industrial action | 136 | 12 | 112 | 11 |
Coercion | 143 | 13 | 149 | 15 |
Sham contracting | 109 | 10 | 47 | 5 |
Freedom of association | 147 | 13 | 152 | 16 |
Strike pay | 21 | 2 | 42 | 4 |
Wages and entitlements | 351 | 31 | 154 | 16 |
Other | 108 | 9 | 87 | 9 |
Building Code | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total | 1,127 | 100 | 977 | 100 |
Note: ‘Other’ includes other FW Act breaches, criminal activity and breaches of laws relating to taxation, trade practices and state industrial relations and occupational health and safety.